The 5 Best Gift Cards to Buy at Costco Right Now
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Costco's gift cards are still one of its most underrated savings perks. Any day of the week, you can enjoy discounts ranging from 10% and 30% by purchasing gift cards online or in the warehouse. Despite having some limitations (more on that below), this is an easy way to save money at places where you're already shopping. With that in mind, here are five of the best gift cards available at Costco now.
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1. Uber
Price: $79.99
Total value $100.00
Costco members can buy two $50 Uber gift cards valid for Uber rides and Uber Eats orders. Now that Costco and Uber are partners, this can save you $20 when you order your Costco groceries through the Uber Eats app.
It's important to note the limitations, however, so as to avoid any confusion later. Members are limited to one transaction, but two units per membership. In other words, you can't buy one gift card today and another next week in separate transactions. If you want to buy two units (value of $200), you have to do it in a single transaction. Otherwise, this opportunity is no longer available.
Despite the limitation, buying two units would save you $40 total. That's basically free money if you're an Uber or Uber Eats loyal customer.
2. Cinemark
Price: $39.99
Value: $50.00
Costco members can save $10 at Cinemark when they purchase a $50 eGift Card for $39.99.
The gift cards can be used at any Cinemark property in the U.S., including Tinseltown, Century Theaters, CineArts, Rave, and XD, for movie tickets, food, and drinks. Members can purchase up to 10 Cinemark eGift Cards at this price, for a total savings of about $100.
3. Instacart
Price: $79.99
Value: $100.00
Costco members can buy two $100 Instacart gift cards at $79.99 apiece. That's $40 of Instacart savings just by buying your gift cards through Costco. And, unlike the Uber gift cards, you can buy two units in separate transactions. In other words, you don't need to buy them both at once.
There is, however, one condition that's worth noting: "The value of your card may only be credited to one account and will be fully redeemed upon use." That last part is important. If your Instacart order isn't above the value of your gift card (say, $100), there's a chance the full amount won't be applied. To avoid confusion and potentially losing money, make sure your Instacart order is above $100.
4. Southwest Airlines
Price: $449.99
Value: $500.00
If you're planning to fly Southwest Airlines, Costco could save you $50 for every $500 you plan to spend. At a sticker price of $449.99, Costco will e-deliver a $500 Southwest gift card to your email. I've even seen Costco selling the same valued gift card for $429.99 -- a savings of $70 just by purchasing it through your warehouse membership.
These gift cards can save you money if Southwest is your preferred airline. But keep in mind you can only redeem these on Southwest's website, mobile app, or over the phone. If you find a great price on a Southwest flight through a third-party site, like Expedia, you won't be able to use your gift card unless you book your flight directly through Southwest. In like manner, saving $50 on airline tickets may not mean much to you if your travel credit card could earn more than that on the same amount.
Similar to the Uber gift cards, members are limited to one transaction and five total gift cards. This offers you up to $250 of airline savings on five gift cards.
5. Nintendo eShop
Price: $89.99
Value: $100.00
Costco sells numerous gaming gift cards, like this bundle of four $25 gift cards for the Nintendo eShop. Members can buy two bundles of gift cards per membership. If you max out these Nintendo gift cards, you can also buy bundles of four $50 gift cards for $179.99 (maximum of two per membership).
The savings on these five gift cards show why this is one of my favorite Costco savings perks. Check out Costco's website for a complete list of gift cards available online, including terms and conditions. And next time you're at your local warehouse, be on the lookout for gift cards, as Costco also often sells gift cards to restaurants in your area, which can't be found for sale online.
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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends Southwest Airlines. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
